About Polity Sociology

Polity is one of the world's leading publishers in sociology
and social theory. We publish many of the key scholars in the field and our list has earned
a reputation for innovative, cutting-edge publications. We also have a strong list of
textbooks in sociology which are widely adopted at colleges and universities around the
world.

Major Textbooks for University (click here for school and college-level texts)

The seventh edition of this indispensable resource continues from
strength to strength to provide a vibrant, engaging and authoritative introduction to
sociology. Revised and updated throughout, it provides in an accessible and easy-to-follow
style a commanding overview of recent global developments and new ideas in sociology.

Contemporary Sociology is an introductory textbook with angles
and arguments. Responding to the need for a different kind of introductory textbook, its 21
chapters, written by leading experts in each field, provide more focused, in-depth
explorations of the most exciting and contemporary dynamics driving sociology today.

This clear and jargon-free book introduces a careful selection of
essential concepts that have helped to shape sociology, and others that continue to do so.
Organized in ten thematic sections, it will be essential reading for all those new to
sociology, as well as those seeking a reliable route map for a rapidly changing world.

"An excellent primer for both undergraduate and postgraduate
students interested in the theoretical and philosophical dimensions of the discipline. The
work provides a clear and comprehensive account of the main positions and controversies in
social theory. It will be required reading on university courses."

What's the use of sociology? The question has been asked often enough
and it leaves a lingering doubt in the minds of many. In a series of conversations with
Michael Hviid Jacobsen and Keith Tester, Zygmunt Bauman explains why sociology is necessary
if we hope to live fully human lives.

This leading, authoritative textbook has been carefully and
substantially revised to provide the indispensable foundational resource for the sociology
of work. The fourth edition has been transformed to combine unrivalled explanations of
classic theories with the most cutting-edge research, data and debates.

This engaging book offers a lively and rigorous synthesis of the varied
interconnections between work and globalization. The authors highlight the importance of
integrating a grounded, bottom-up perspective, revealing the fascinating extent to which
workers actively engage in producing globalization.

Social interaction lies at the heart of our everyday experience. This
book provides an invaluable introduction to the theoretical foundations and practical
applications of interactionist approaches to everyday life, and how understanding of the
social world can be deepened by exploring the 'sociologies of interaction'.

"Wells provides a lucid, topical and up-to-date exposition of key
issues concerning contemporary children and childhoods. Wells's ability to skilfully
combine broad discussion with close analyses makes this a necessary, insightful and
accessible text."

"Mark Frezzo invites a sociological voice to the human rights
conversation, which has so far been dominated by the disciplines of law and international
relations. If readers wish to study rights claims of social and global movements,
sociological tools remain indispensable. Frezzo's refreshing engagement is a significant
contribution to the field of human rights."

Sarah Nettleton's book has become a cornerstone text, popular with
students and academics alike for its rigorous and accessible overview of the field.
Thoroughly revised and fully updated, the third edition will prove invaluable to anyone
looking for a clear, engaging introduction to contemporary debates within the sociology of
health and illness.

Civil Society has become a standard work of reference for all
those who seek to understand the role of voluntary citizen action in the contemporary
world. In this thoroughly revised edition, Michael Edwards updates the arguments and
evidence presented in the original to tell the underlying story of civil society on the
world stage.

"The value of this, the third edition, has been enhanced tremendously
by its strong reorientation towards the dilemmas and difficulties that contemporary welfare
states face. This book will surely remain the cornerstone reading in any respectable social
policy course worldwide."

"The revised edition of this valuable guide to designing research in
the social sciences maintains its hallmark qualities: it is clearly organized yet broad
ranging, and identifies the key issues which all robust social science research must
confront while sharpening its approach to some of the most intractable and perennial
research design questions. Above all, it is readable, versatile and intuitively
applicable."

Randall Germain, Carleton University

School and College-Level Textbooks

"Ken Browne's text is an excellent introduction to sociology for
students of all ages and aptitudes - clearly structured, well-organized and written in a
way that is both informative and accessible. With the 4th edition, the best GCSE Sociology
text just got even better..."

"This is a detailed yet very accessible book which provides both a
general introduction to the subject and highly specific guidance on material focused on the
AS examination. There is a good balance of sociological theory and up-to-date research
evidence. Both students and teachers should find it invaluable as they embark on the study
of sociology."

"A magnificent text. It won't just be another text on A2 Sociology for
students but will serve as the leader in the area. It has key concepts but with
inspirational examples. It's the best textbook I have ever read for AQA A2 for
Sociology."

“Fournier is the greatest living scholar of French sociology. With this
work, he gives us a new Durkheim, a man broiled in the political controversies of his time,
an academic patriarch who laid the foundations for a more cultural sociology.”

It is commonly assumed that the best way to help the poor out of their
misery is to allow the rich to get richer, and that in the final analysis the richness of
the few benefits us all. And yet these commonly held beliefs are flatly contradicted by our
daily experience, an abundance of research findings and, indeed, logic. Such bizarre
discrepancy between hard facts and popular opinions makes one pause and ask: why are these
opinions so widespread and resistant to accumulated and fast-growing evidence to the
contrary?

In this major work the great sociologist Pierre Bourdieu addresses the
following questions: What is the nature of the modern state? How did it come into being and
what are the characteristics of this distinctive field of power that has come to play such
a central role in the shaping of all spheres of social, political and economic life?

"A rich and provocative book … There are some very big ideas here, and
the huge themes and issues are brought on from the wings to take a bow – this is from
beginning to end an invitation to open up research into the plethora of issues and areas it
brings into the light."

"Exposing capitalism’s expanding economy of secrecy, John Urry reveals
a terrifying picture of catastrophes waiting to happen, of global inequalities difficult to
comprehend, and of human rights violations on an appalling scale. Sociology at its best,
warning us of the worst. Offshoring should be required reading for all undergraduates."